Comanche Suspension ???s

[Cascadia]

I'm looking in to building a Comanche as almost strictly a trail rig but still want it to be streetable for the most part. I'm trying to get all the info first before I buy one. I want to have my build plan in place. Is there a reason that I should stick with leafs in the rear or can I go to links and coils. With the weight being so lite I am just wondering if there is a benefit or downfall to one or the other.

 

[jjamesyj]

coils and links are gonna give you a ton more articulation and a better streetable ride.

 

[Cascadia]

So no matter how light of a ride it will be back where the bed is, it will still be better than leafs? Just need to figure out the right coil rating then?

 

[Dirty Harry]

The Comanches have the longest leaf springs ever offered on a Jeep. I would just do a springover and leave it at that, you will get plenty of articulation and be on the trail that much sooner with some leftover cash in your pocket (or money to spend on more important aspects of the build).

 

[bryson]

...I would just do a springover and leave it at that, you will get plenty of articulation and be on the trail that much sooner with some leftover cash in your pocket (or money to spend on more important aspects of the build).

Yes, that.

MJ leafs are super long, and super flexy. There is no reason you'd be unhappy with them on a trail rig. IMO, coils are pretty tough to dial in on a rear end that light, and the benefits are nil when compared to the amount of time, money, and work a link/coil swap would be.

Longarm the front, lockers and gears, and enjoy. They are very fun rigs to wheel and build.

 

[Cascadia]

K. Sounds good. I'll probably stick with the leaves then. Now the next question. I've heard of guys flipping the leaves on these for departure angle. Would it make the wheelbase to long if they were flipped and why would you need a traction bar if you're using the same springs still. If there are positives to flipping the leaves how do you fill in the wheel well to match the new axle and tire location? Just cut a piece and weld it in?

 

[DaveB]

My son's comanche started out life as a two wheel drive which he turned into a four wheel drive with a bunch of XJ parts. Since then we have added spring over in the rear, long arm suspension up front along with a narrowed F250 HP44. Its a great wheeler and will outclimb many rigs. My son is dreaming of long arms in the back but I think it wheels fine the way it is.

PS I have a spare comanche in the yard I've been fixing up to sell.

 

[Tan Comanche]

Cut out all the 4-link in the front and put in leaves. Once you get the leaves dialed in, it's great. On mine I put in rear YJ/chevy/MJ leaves in the front of my rig. I've got 11 inches of travel and no axle wrap. In the back end I picked up a set of 2000 chevy rears and mixed in the original comanche rears. Again great flex and no axle wrap.